I've been getting to know a few of the new people at school, and I enjoy them much! Jennifer Schlaudt and Kristen Diaz both transferred in as upperclass Lit majors, and they are both contributing usefully and happily to our classes. They are mature, thought-provoking individuals whom I feel it a privilege to know already. This evening, Jennifer sat with me at dinner, and we discussed our stories for the past few years that have brought us to the points we are at. She did distance learning classes, then Campus At Home. When she ran out of classes available that way, it seemed God was leading her to make the move to on-campus work. What a trusting, comforting story it was! Then I had to give my own account of wanting to get away from home, taking on way too much my first year, being crushed before God, and finally coming to the same realization as Jennifer at about the same time. We both want to serve others with this year. We are also each 21 years old. I see things in her that are like me, and many aspects that are better, more mature, than me.

Kristen Diaz is legally blind, but she maneuvers gracefully around as though she could see. I respect her very much, because she came here to college all alone, without any of the help she no doubt receives at home. Despite this, she conducts herself assuredly. This past Sunday evening, when a large group of us went hiking to Raven's Rock, Kristen kept up with the rest of us on an uncertain trail at almost the same pace. Of course, we were all very willing to help, but I was still impressed. I haven't talked to her much about God, but I know that she has written a novel already in high school, using the book How To Write the Novel Way. It is an allegory about a group of Puritans who try to travel to the New World and end up... well... in another world. :) Some day, when I have time, I want to ask Kristen if I may read it.

As for me, I am a bit tired, but God is good. So far, whether my schoolwork is done or not, I've just trusted God and done my prayer/Bible reading anyway. He has blessed my first two weeks back at school and allowed me to exercise and sleep as well. I love Him. I don't know if I would still be able to say that if things had not gone the way they have, but the fact is that He has blessed me. We shall see if He shall test me in the months to come... I am reading Job right now, and that book has an interesting perspective on such matters. :)  ¶ 6:17 PM